Nintendo Switch 2: pricing, launch date, specifications, and additional details.
Speculations surrounding a Nintendo Switch 2 have been present for several years. The discussion of the next-generation Nintendo console began when The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was first hinted at in 2019, gaining momentum with the launch of the Switch OLED in 2021. Clearly, the Nintendo Switch is an excellent console — it boasts a unique and impressive game library (with even more titles on the way this year), the features offered with Nintendo Switch Online are continually improving, and it remains our top choice for a portable console — but it has its shortcomings. There is significant potential for enhancement in a successor console.
After what seemed like endless leaks and rumors, Nintendo has officially revealed the Switch 2 to the public. Here’s a summary of everything we currently know about the system, along with details that are still uncertain.
**Switch 2 Release Date**
On April 2, Nintendo held a special hour-long Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, during which the release date for the new console was announced. The Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5. Although preorders were initially set to begin on April 9, they were postponed to April 24 due to new tariffs, but we now have all the information needed for preordering the Switch 2.
**Switch 2 Backward Compatibility**
As part of the Switch 2 announcement, Nintendo confirmed compatibility for both physical and digital Switch games on the new console. However, there is an important caveat: not all games will be compatible. Nintendo has yet to release the list of compatible games, so the extent of compatibility remains unknown.
While not directly linked to backward compatibility, we also learned that the Switch 2 will introduce a new Virtual Game Card system to simplify sharing digital games between consoles. Moreover, several Switch titles can be upgraded to Nintendo Switch 2 Editions for an undisclosed fee.
**Switch 2 Design**
At a glance, the Switch 2 appears very similar to the original Switch, maintaining the same fundamental shape and design, but featuring a larger screen and improved Joy-Con controllers. The only significant design modification is a sturdier kickstand for the screen when using detached Joy-Cons. Nintendo has adopted an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach with this console.
The Joy-Cons introduce the most enhancements. They are now magnetically attached to the main screen, eliminating the need for sliding them into position. A unique feature this time is the ability to utilize a Joy-Con like a mouse by placing it on its edge on a flat surface, which may revolutionize our gameplay interaction on this console. The only game demonstrated with this capability thus far is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but it's expected to be featured in more games as they're released.
Interestingly, there will not be any achievements for the Switch 2. In a conversation with Polygon, Nintendo Vice President Bill Trinen was asked about potential system-wide achievements, to which he simply replied, “Nope.”
**Price**
Start saving, as the Switch 2 will be priced at $499 at launch, or $500 for a bundle including Switch 2 and Mario Kart World. Although there were concerns regarding possible price increases following the introduction of multiple tariffs in the U.S., which also delayed the preorder date, Nintendo has confirmed that these prices will remain unchanged for now, although some accessories have seen price adjustments. Historically, console prices can increase post-launch, so it’s uncertain if this pricing will hold indefinitely. Similarly, since the original Switch never received a price cut, it’s unlikely this system will see any official discount either.
**Internal Specs**
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct provided extensive information on the internal specifications of the new console. Here’s a concise summary of the revealed technical details regarding the Switch 2. Comparisons with the original Switch and the Steam Deck are also available for those considering their investment options.
- **Size:** 4.5 inches tall, 10.7 inches wide, 0.55 inches thick (with controllers attached). 0.88 lbs or 1.18 lbs with Joy-Cons attached.
- **Weight:** TBD
- **Screen:** 7.9 inches, 1080p HDR, VRR 120Hz.
- **CPU/GPU:** 8x ARM Cortex A78C 998MHz (docked), 1101MHz (handheld), Max 1.6GHz / Ampere GPU architecture 1007MHz (docked), 561MHz (handheld) Max 1.4GHz
- **Memory:** 128-bit LPDDR5, bandwidth of 102GB/s (docked), or 68GB/s (handheld), with 3GB (9GB for games) allocated for system memory
- **Storage:** 256GB
- **Wireless:** Yes
- **Video Output:** 4K docked,
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